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Description:Vues d'optique or "perspective views" were a special genre of antique print originating in England and widely produced in Europe during the second half of the 18th century. These prints were a form of entertainment meant to be seen through devices called "optical machines," "optiques," "zograscopes" or "peepshows." These peep boxes contained a magnifying lens which gave the viewer the impression of three dimensional perception. Many well-to-do families bought such viewing machines, collecting vues d'optique for home viewing. Since these prints were moved in and out of viewing boxes almost daily, they often show some wear and tear, unless they were handled with much care by private possessors.